Beneath Thul's Shadow

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* Staff: Lahar's Labyrinth(#913R) *>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

You are in a maze, filled with beagles.

Channel: LahChan

Add: addcom lc=LahChan

Cheat Sheet: http://bit.ly/pnmTow

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Arynel          Blonde Sildanyari with Blue eyes.                     1m   11m

Beaglefinder    A bumbly, four-legged beagle.                         0s   19h

Jokul           A muscled, young, small-bearded Aesirian warrior      16m  18h

Kevan           Wiry man with blond hair and blue eyes.               14s  5h

Miruan          A dark haired woman with pale skin, strong build.     2s   3m

Nadara          Gobber Girl with a gun and an eyepatch.               2m   22h

Zyla            Massive woman in simple clothing and robes            5m   27m

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Stuff                     Out <O>                   Room of Active Projects <R

Room of Forgotten ProjectsPit of Documentation <PD> 

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Your party had received notice from the guild two hours' past. An hours' past, a porter ushered you into this clean, though spartan office. It belongs, you understand, to a Merchant Madline Magryta. Her belongings sit in precise form upon a rectangular desk. The Merchant is an hour late.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

...that's the clock on her desk. The clock on the desk clicks with deliberate and soft precision. Rather than the harsh sound of aged clockwork, this one sounds as softly as wavefoam tickling the sandy shoreline.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Yet, it hasn't stopped. Not in the hour since you'd been here. An hour--precisely that, with her assistant bringing you tea until your bladders swell. The assistant has also kept an eye on the papers--and your behavior, that nothing untoward occurs. Carved from repurposed ship's wood, everything in the room is of tribue to Rada. Despite its plain, precise looks--it smells faintly of brine. And of money.

Lots of money.

GAME: Lenore has connected.

Beaglefinder summons Lenore.

Lenore has arrived.

Beaglefinder summons Virton.

Zyla sort of just looms in the back. Her arms are folded over her chest, her robes showing her order and looking a bit on the fancy side with the tassels on the arms and all. She did have some tea at first, but has declined any refills. She hasn't started pacing, but she isn't that far from it.

Kevan has gotton used to the slight eccentricities of guild work, its usually never dull, and perhaps this momentary pause only forewarns of a hectic time to come. He sits quietly, sipping at the tea that is offered, waiting until someone finally shows.

GAME: Virton has connected.

Virton has connected.

Having sat down in a chair in the side of the room, Arynel hasn't moved from that spot for the hour they have been there. Instead, she has been rubbing her fingers on her amulet and reading her spellbook the entire time she's been here. Not surprising for an elf to do that...is it?

Miruan got the notice. She was probably hanging out in the temple of Elune, with all her other mooninites. She's getting used to working for the guild. It's much more random and whimsical than life in the monastary, that's for sure. But she turns up, her quest fora bonsai interrupted (as her LAST bonsai got eaten).

Lenore has been ever so patiently adjusting her equipment. ... No, really. Like actually adjusting her equipment. Securing her potionstraps, making sure her blade is oiled and polished, feathery mantle is appropriately ruffled for that 'I like that I don't care' look. She's been muttering back and forth to a poncho'd war golem the entire time, apparently having their own little thing going as she shows him bits and pieces of her glove that need mending, and excitedly explains all the really out there ideas she has for improvements.

GAME: Batu has connected.

Virton has been idly nattering in return to Lenore as he's been tweaking his hand. Quite literally tweaking it - the golem has a tiny wrench clasped in fingertip and thumb, working a small part of the palm of his other hand until his fingers give a twitch - then that tool is replaced for another, this time a tiny screwdriver. His attention is mostly focused on the conversation with Lenore, for the most part, nodding of head and a 'That sounds good, partner' being offered.

Casually (and having placed a gold coin on the desk), Nadara is patiently cleaning out her dragonspitter pistol with a degree of care and precision that someone who's entirely used to the weapon would have. Her big floppy goblin ears twitch from time to time at the ticking sounds.

Tick. Tick. Ti--

• --click*

An arvek woman enters. She claims the room by the sheer competency of her presence. By the time she sits down, it's as though she had intended to be precisely there at that time. It is with such deliberation that it may be hard to believe she is one hour late--perhaps indeed--

--you were one hour EARLY?

Were you indeed, that eager or unreasonable?

She shuffles the papers for a moment, before looking up. "Thank you for coming."

There is a pause, in which the papers are replaced in the precise, exact location from whence they were drawn. Another one before: "Please do not introduce yourselves. I am not interested in your names, only your competence and discretion. Breathe a word of this, and rest assured, you will make an enemy of many merchant houses within Alexandria. They may still sell to you, but your prices will be HIGHER. Your services will be SLOWER. Goods may arrive BROKEN. That is the silence I am buying."

"I will also pay you very well." Yes, this place smells of money. Subtly so, in a briney sort of way. But, so thoroughly it all but infuses the senses.

"Please nod to show you understand. If these conditions are unacceptable, the door is open to you, with no consequences. Stay, and you will be bound by the contract and rewarded richly for your services."

A nod is given from Kevan, and he slowly looks around the room to see if anyone else is going to stay or leave.

Nadara has partially disconnected.

GAME: Nadara has partially disconnected.

Zyla cocks her head to the side and thinks for a moment, her order are largely mercenaries and bound heavily with honor. She can abide by that so after a moment she does give a nod of her head as she then looks around at the others that are gathered.

Virton gives an idle nod of his head, as he continues tweaking the tiny screwdriver in the palm of his hand with the idle 'creak' of metal turning and twitching. He plucks the screwdriver out, and closes the latch on his palm before giving the holding screw a few turns to lock it into place, and he slides the screwdriver into a tiny holster on his belt.

Arynel lets out a breath, literally ignoring the threats given by the arvek. It's not until she finishes speaking that she lifts her head.....shrugging a moment before lowering her head back to her spellbook. A nod...of sorts to the Arvek....

Lenore lifts her hands almost defensively, but says not a word, least of all her name. She gives a sloppy, two-fingered salute that all are assured it meant to have one less finger, but that smile of hers -- how could you hate a face like that?

Miruan does not have a watch. She sort of exists in the now. Her nose wrinkles at all the briney smells. It's odd to her. She does nod, politely. There's a distant, neutral expression on her face. That is an ominous warning, indeed.

GAME: Ansrir has disconnected. <Timeout>

GAME: Mikilos has disconnected. <Quit>

The woman's lips thin, though that might be her natural expression. Or, it could be the matter you are called here today to address--you, obviously outsiders from the guild and a matter which seems to demand...

DISCRETION.

Madline Magryta opens one of the folders in front of her, but does not look at it. "We are examining a possible, new recruit or our organization. He comes from a troubled family, but has himself shown great promise and dedication to the Radan Cause." Radan Cause? "It is not, however, him that we are concerned with."

"His son has shown a dangerous affinity for old ties in Blar. Ascertaining the STATUS of his son's current ties, and his AWARENESS of them is the purpose of your investigation," she says and her lips thin to an almost slash of a line. "When you greet Master Dukakas at his home, as he is expecting you, you are to tell him you are there to conduct an interview on behalf of "Radan Friends". He should then, show you to his home and invite you for tea. Ask him what questions you like--any general question, such as what he does for a living, how he feels about fish. I do not care. Sometime in the interview, you are to present him this gorget as a gift."

She nods to a box on the corner of her desk. A box that has always been there. It is perfectly placed. It BELONGS on that desk. "--and record his reaction precisely. Then, return here and report your findings of Master Dukakas. If his son is present, also your impressions of his...character."

GAME: Miruan rolls Knowledge/History: (19)+10: 29

GAME: Virton rolls spellcraft: (10)+12: 22

You paged Miruan with 'The gorget is an artifact of the arvek nar, that solidified during the 'reign' of the Garnaks and their Crimson Templars. It usually has some importance to it.'

You paged Virton with 'There are abjuration runes on the gorget. They're in a standard, military style as opposed to the more academic flourish of say, the local academy, but that isn't surprising here.'

Zyla cocks her head to the side and blinks just a little, "Just give him the box, and ask questions.." she shakes her head that just seems a little off to her, but then she is used to things with a bit more of a physical bent to them.

Kevan smirks faintly, realizing that an investigation like this seems to have drawn a lot of muscle, and probably not as many investigators. He taps his fingers on his leg idly, waiting to see if anyone else is going to remark or if Madline has anything else to say.

You paged Miruan with 'Artifact in this sense meaning traditional object.'

"... huh, this is a traditional artifact of the Arvek Nar. It was solidified during the 'reign' of the Garnaks and their Crimson Templars." Beat. "It's important," Miruan offers to those not in the know. "We will do our best," She offers.

GAME: Whiteout has DARK-connected.

Finishing with her gun, Nadara gives a nod. She understands. "Blar," she say under her breath. "Wonderful. Just what we needed. Thul stuff. Well, as someone deep in debt to Rada,I I'm entirely happy to help. One day, she may even let me out from under her thumb." She calls Rada a she even if the deity is traditionally shown with a male visage.

Beaglefinder summons MAC-B1G.

You paged Virton with 'Not at the moment. Nadara's comment would suggest it has something to do with Thul, though.'

Lenore clearly has nothing to add to the situation, and so she keeps quiet and lets the others discuss the nittygritties of the ordeal. She's probably just here for the secrets.

GAME: Mordak has disconnected. <Netfailure>

"I reckon," starts Virton, with his buzzing tone of voice coming from the orange glow that is his 'mouth'. "That I'd like ya to promise that this here box," He points a mechanised finger at the box in question, "Ain't gonna do anythin' entirely untoward if an' when placed infront of the fella. Like, banish 'im into another damn plane or somethin' unless he like, tries to blow us up or somethin'." With that, the Golem leans forwards a bit, one hand lifting up to tug at the colourful - if particularly tattered and torn - poncho further around his metallic torso.

Virton's words cause what could be the first smile you have seen out of Magryta.

It's more of a...twitch. "No, it will not do that. I am however, interested in his impression of the item, and the answers he gives to any questions you ask. We are...selective," she says.

With that, the servant reappears, ready to escort you out.

He has of course, a cup of tea for each of you on your way. Oh, bladders!

GAME: Un'eth has connected.

The house whose address you are given belongs not far from the Lower Trades. That is, west of the river and in the more "common" section of Alexandria. Common, though profitable. It lies just far enough from the docks to be interesting--that is to say, its owner may have AMBITIONS.

Obviously so.

You arrive at the door, and knock. An aged lucht answers it. He squints at you through bottle-spectles. A chip cuts into the upper right lens as though the material were once fine. Now, not so. "May I assist you?" he asks.

GAME: Lenore rolls diplomacy: (13)+13: 26

Miruan is a polite guest. But she is not the chattiest. She was raised in a monestary. Unless he wants to chat about rice and martial arts. Then she's all over it. For now, she bows politely as the aged lucht answers the door. "Salutations, sir."

Kevan remains quiet, keeping towards the back of the group to observe as much as he can. Never know what you can notice when others are busy talking.

"Well, looks like he's got money," muses Nadara, muttering that under hr breath upon their arrival. She eyes the door and the Lucht answering it, mouthing something but hanging back for a moment. The eyepatch wearing goblin is definitely looking more than a little pleased to be here. She has the spring in her step of someone who hasn't been innundated in horrors any time recently.

There's a bit of a pause as Lenore stares down at the Lucht, and for a moment it looks as though she's got nothing going on up in that pretty little head of hers. Then she takes a sharp inhale of breath through her nose and puts on a smile that suggests she's selling religion door to door -- and she's good at it. "Ah, yes, hello. We are Radan friends," She gestures to those around her, then looks back to the servant with lifting of her brows, "Here to coduct an interview with the master of the house. I'm certain it's no trouble, ey?"

Lenore adds, "Mast Dukakas is sure to be more than happy to have us."

Arynel keeps to herself in the back of the group. Despite keeping to herself, she's is ALSO remaining very observant.

Virton, being, y'know, a War Golem, is obviously not the one to be talking to a servant, or to anyone in general other than people who at least know him and his peculiar mannerisms. He buzzes out what sounds like a coughing noise, before tipping his head forwards in the shallowest of bows before standing straight again. He even manages to elbow Lenore for a moment. "Doin' great, partner."

The lucht glances over the party, his mouth moving silently as he apparently, counts your number. One can see the dry lips moving, forming: 'One, three...four...'

He pauses.

Then, opens the door. Thanks to Lenore's well-spoken diplomacy, the transfer is quick, and he shows you into a modest waiting area. There is a low, drinks table of modest size, with a sea motif. Two setting-chairs are towards the left. Some of your party will have to stand.

"The master will be with you in a moment," he says, and there is a pause. The lucht looks at your group again. His brow furrows in worry for a moment. Then, he heads off into the building, footsteps echoing behind.

"I will bring you tea," he says.

Oh. Good.

"And some gobber-oil," he adds.

Yay!

GAME: Cesran has disconnected. <Timeout>

Well, Kevan sumises that anyone would be worried when a group of armed guests come by claiming to be Radan Friends....that could be code for loan shark leg breakers for all he knows.

Zyla shakes her head a bit, what is with all the tea... She looks around and then shakes her head, "Still find this a bit strange." she says after the Lucht departs.

"...gobber oil?" says Nadara, pausing. Eyeing them. "Did I just get steoretyped?" She sniffs exageratedly. She looks like she's possibly to say more unless someone stops her. Please. Someone stop her.

"Marvelous." Virton buzzes. Probably because it sounds like something you'd say in a high-class environment such as this.

"if you are offended, Nadara, I would suggest you let it be. For all you know, he might be giving a compliment. So if you take a compliment as an insult, you may be asking to be insulted forever-more." She then looks to Zyla. "I agree. This is extremely strange." She then makes a face. "If they come in speaking a different language.....I know a spell that will allow me to listen in.

Miruan is just glad there's no sewers or tentacles or what have you involved. She looks duly polite, and respectful."Thank you, and uh." Miruan goes quiet at matters of gobbers. "... what's gobber oil?" She asks quietly.

GAME: Koszhey has disconnected. <Timeout>

You paged Virton with 'Gobber oil is a vaguely slang term for a high-grade oil used in the military. It packs punch.'

"The oil is likely for the golem." Lenore mutters, still smiling toward the lucht as he leaves, giving him a wiggly fingered wave as he departs.

It does not take an hour. Indeed, it does not take ten minutes before a brisk sort of steps come from the adjacent room.

"...you're from..." the arvek who approaches you appears older. He is old enough that tufts of hair spring from his ears in an almost-organized fashion. Just age, that. It somewhat softens the lantern-heavy, wrinkled jaw. "...the Radans. Oh! Yes, would--would you like some tea?" he asks.

A few minutes later, the lucht servant appears. There is--well, there is tea. Heavily caffinated, good and strong. The kind that would slam gunpowder into a soldier's bones and stir. For Virton, a cup of gobber oil served, perhaps absurdly, in porcelain.

"Now, what can I do for you?" he asks.

Zyla keeps her mouth shut, she is not very diplomatic so its probably best all the way around for her to do that.

GAME: Carwyn has connected.

Kevans eyes are about the room as the man appears, looking over the furnishings. After the master enters, he takes a moment to watch him, then the lucht servant. Never know whats going to happen when they show the object. He really doesnt want to have to find out it's a trap.

Virton reaches down and takes up the porcelain cup. There's a momentary 'frown' -- his eyebrows move into a frowning position, then with an audiable shift of gears, snap back up again -- and his pinky-finger rises before locking into place. The cup is raised, and a small amount is poured down the funnel that normally black smoke pours out of in what is the Golem's mouth. He does not deign to speak, most likely understanding that silence is the better than what he could say right now.

"As you can see, young Master Dukakas," She winks, you know, playfully. At the old man. Lenore gives a lift of her brows, "We are well taken care of. No, we need nothing from you but your time, and some questions answered for those that simply MUST know. I say, we were told that your boy would also be in attendance. I'm certain he should be, I wager he, like us, would be most interested in just what kind of man his father is, mm?" She's obviously the leader. Her talon-gloved fingertips press to each other as she stares down at him pleasantly, a certain vacant promise about her pale eyes.

"...can there be alcohol in the tea?" asks Nadara, casually, a sidelong look directed at the person doing the asking. She shuts up about the gobber-oil, anyway, seeming to have had momentary annoyanec brought under control. It probably IS for the golem.

You must be on WhirlChan to do that.

GAME: Cesran has connected.

"My uh...oh, my boy? Yes, well--send for him, would you?" Master Dukakas turns to address the lucht. The servant bows perfunctorily and then turns, and heads out of the room.

"It may take him a moment. My son is addressing some of the paperwork tied to our shipments. He gets...absorbed."

Kevan is still watching carefully, could be anything going on here, and he is a mildly paranoid sort. Why else have so much muscle here, somethings going to go wrong. He also thinks back to the look the lady gave when the golem mentioned weird things happening.

GAME: Serene has connected.

"This is, uh," buzzes Virton, who has apparently forgotten to shut his mouth proverbially, "Mighty fine oil you got here, fella." He raises the small cup in a little salute, before tipping a small amount more down the funnel. "I reckon you folks deal in high-grade lubricants an' oils?"

GAME: Lunair has disconnected. <Timeout>

"Thank you for having us," She offers quietly. Miruan does her best to be polite. She is admittedly, out of her pay grade.

"Blades, actually. The oil is a byproduct. Could I interest you in--" The master of the house's mercantile slyness is cut short by a word at the doorway.

"Father?" the man who enters is the image of arvek health. Perfunctorily muscled with a lean constitution, he bears an arvek's military honors: a blade at his side and more importantly, the squint of a man who has seen combat in his lifetime.

"Dihael, Dihael Duckakas," he says. He offers a nod, and a thump of the heel in the arvek style in welcome.

"This is my remaining son," the master of the home says proudly. He sets down his cup.

"My sister is away with her schooling," the young man says. He turns a lantern-jawed smile towards the women in the party, because of course. He is like that.

GAME: Miruan rolls Ref: (15)+9: 24 to Beaglefinder

GAME: Arynel rolls ref: (6)+4: 10 to Beaglefinder

GAME: Miruan rolls Will: (19)+7: 26 to Beaglefinder

GAME: Arynel rolls will: (14)+6: 20 to Beaglefinder

You paged Miruan with 'He has a good set of shoulders. Must work out!'

You paged Arynel with 'He's...so dreeeaaamy.'

You paged Arynel with 'There are SPARKLES in your eyes. :D'

You paged Arynel with 'Does he work out?'

You paged Arynel with 'You must touch his shoulder to find out.'

GAME: Nadara rolls will: (1)+13: 14 (EPIC FAIL) to Beaglefinder

You paged Nadara with 'He's...so dreeeaaaamy. There are sparkles in your eyes.'

You paged Nadara with 'Does he work out?'

You paged Nadara with 'You must touch his...shoulder to find out. <.<'

GAME: Lenore rolls will: (17)+3: 20 to Beaglefinder

You paged Lenore with '...he has a good set of shoulders, you suddenly notice.'

You paged Lenore with 'So...so dreeaaammmy.'

You paged Lenore with 'There are sparkles in your eyes. And he is the beautiful, setting sun. Those tusks.'

You paged Lenore with 'So MANLY.'

Do Nadara's eyes have stars in themsuddenly? YES, YES SHE DOES. She is very suitably impressed by his ears. It seems.

Miruan pauses. There's a polite smile for the newcomer. She places her palms together and bows. If there's a picture of 'stereotypical monk' in someone's Guide to Wild Monks, Mir's picture is bound to be there. "It is a pleasure to meet you." She bowed to both, after all. Only fair! Andhuh. Dude works out. Makes sense with the combat experience.

But let's face it, Miruan lived life with monks. Shirtless dude overexposure has sort of rendered her immune to pecs, lantern jaws and combat experience as hotness factors*.

• As measured by Doctor von Sexypants in his book, Hot or Not?: An Anthropological Study.

Kevan isn't attracted to the fellow, but when handsome males enter a room, its sometimes like a battle of peacocks. Everyone fluffs up looking thier best. As he notices the blade at his side, even in his own home, and the eyes, his suspicions that there might be trouble only rise.

GAME: Lunair has connected.

Arynel's cheeks blush as she sees the newcomer, but she closes her eyes fairly quickly......and takes a deep breath. She's an elf.......an arvek is a flash in the pan compared to her life span....plus she's a lot older than him. sooooooo......She's not supposed to be attracted to him.....but god he's hot. WHAT!? No....can't be....he's an arvek. But a cute arvek. ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!

GAME: Un'eth has disconnected. <Timeout>

"... Nice." Lenore offers in all her flirtatious wonderment, brows rising and falling as she gives the new arrival a slow nod up and down. And yet, still, it's on to business. "We've something to present you with. And, perhaps if it is of interest, I might have something else to offer, as well." Wink wink, nudge nudge.

Virton, sadly, is a Golem. He might wish he could understand everyone elses' reactions, but, well, he don't. So instead he just lifts his cup in a polite salute. "Fella." He states, before tipping back a little more of the oil.

"I'm heir to my father's business, of course," Dihael says. Does the sun set in his eyes? Perhaps so. He shrugs his shoulders almost casually. The movement shows off his...muscles.

Of course it does.

Hairtoss.

"That he is. I am very proud of my son," the father response. His mouth twitches once, before it settles. "Now, what is it you wanted to ask me?" Then, "An object, you said?" he asks. He leans forward with interest.

GAME: Arynel rolls perception: (8)+8: 16

GAME: Virton rolls perception: (18)+7: 25

You paged Arynel with 'The father's smile is...somewhat unnatural.'

GAME: Miruan rolls Perception: (20)+14: 34

GAME: Lenore rolls perception: (6)+9: 15

GAME: Zyla rolls perception: (20)+14: 34

You paged Virton with 'The father's smile appears familiar! You know! It's robotic!'

GAME: Nadara rolls Perception: (4)+7: 11

You paged Miruan with 'The father's smile is a bit robotic. Unnatural.'

Lenore sees muscles.

You paged Zyla with 'The father's smile is a bit robotic. Unnatural.'

GAME: You award Lenore 1 RP Points for Going along!.

GAME: Total RP points on that Character: 1

GAME: Total RP points across all alts: 2

GAME: Whiteout has disconnected. <Netfailure>

GAME: Kevan rolls perception: (10)+9: 19

You paged Kevan with 'The father's smile appears somewhat unnatural.'

GAME: Ezriya has disconnected. <Timeout>

Zyla frowns as she notices something and then looks around at the others to see if they notice as wlel, she is not really impressed by other things and shows little signs of reacting, but that smile seemed off.

Lenore has disconnected.

GAME: Lenore has disconnected. <Netfailure>

Virton has disconnected.

GAME: Virton has disconnected. <Netfailure>

GAME: Virton has connected.

Virton has connected.

GAME: Lenore has connected.

Lenore has connected.

GAME: Lenore rolls bluff: (16)+13: 29

Kevan's lips purse together for a moment as he considers something, looking between the father and the son. Then Kevan looks around the room again, making sure he can't find any spots where ninjas are hiding behind the drapes or something. Well, ninja-like people, you get the idea.

Miruan has muscles! And stuff. But for now, she pauses. Something about that smile seemed odd. Unnatural. Her eyebrows furrow, and she sips her tea, thoughtful. "Aye." Unless someone else has the gorget, it is brought forth. But not really dramatically. She's not mean enough to interfere with the young man's muscles and Fabio-vek moment.

Arynel blinks at the father. But just has a feeling that most everyone else has gotten an idea.....

"I would be proud, too. Yes." Lenore coos under her breath, taking a few slow, but rather purposeful steps toward the young man. "Looking for a daughter-in-law? I'm worth quite a bit in the right circles, you know." She's a convincing liar -- probably because the best lies have just a hint of truth to them. "My family, that is." Her lips part in a pearly smile as she rests fingertips on the arvek's forearm. That muscly forearm. She sniffs softly, turning to look toward the rest of the group, "I'll just stay over here, observing." She leans forward toward Dihael, "-Closely-."

"Oh. Right." Virton buzzes, before reaching into his satchel. He hauls out a large box, before promptly setting it down onto the table. You know. The one with the markings. The one that the woman said we should bring. He then points at it. "This is for you, fella."

... Subtle.

GAME: Azog has disconnected. <Netfailure>

Dihael returns the smile, and leans for--

"A gift?" the old man says. In his voice he tries for warmth, but at the moment he isn't much of an actor. The eyes are wary as he reaches for the latch.

Lenore is the first to see Dihael pause. His father does, too. She's also the first to see--

"I didn't--I didn't know!" the father is yelling. He erupts from his chair, hands going to fists. "DIHAEL! You swore! YOU SWORE ON YOUR MOTHER'S GRAVE!"

--the first to see his teeth.

Roll init.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  ATTENTION  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Beaglefinder has dropped a TIMESTOP!

Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Beaglefinder to instruct you further.

For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

GAME: Arynel rolls initiative: 19 + 5 = 24

GAME: Nadara rolls initiative: 20 + 4 = 24

GAME: You roll initiative for Dihael: Roll: 13 + Bonus: 7 = Total: 20

GAME: Miruan rolls initiative: 7 + 3 = 10

===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================

---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------

24   Nadara           1  Flat-footed (0 rnds active)                  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

24   Arynel           1  Flat-footed (0 rnds active)                  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20   Dihael              

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10   Miruan           1  Flat-footed (0 rnds active)                  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

==============================================================================

GAME: Zyla rolls initiative: 1 + 2 = 3

GAME: Latenat has disconnected. <Quit>

GAME: Virton rolls initiative: 6 + 4 = 10

GAME: Lenore rolls initiative: 16 + 4 + +2 = 22

GAME: Kevan rolls initiative: 1 + 6 + +2 = 9

GAME: Nadara has reconnected.

Nadara has reconnected.

GAME: Miruan rolls knowledge/History: (1)+10: 11 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Ansrir has connected.

GAME: Miruan rolls Knowledge/religion: (9)+5: 14

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 24.

It is now Nadara's turn! Arynel is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Nadara ended.

GAME: Carwyn has disconnected. <Timeout>

Name set.

GAME: Carwyn has connected.

GAME: Nadara rolls Knowledge/Religion: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Nadara refreshes spells.

GAME: Arynel refreshes spells.

GAME: Nadara casts Blessing of Fervor. Caster Level: 8 DC: 19

GAME: Virton refreshes spells.

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 24.

It is now Arynel's turn! Lenore is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Arynel ended.

GAME: Virton refreshes special ability pools.

GAME: Cesran has disconnected. <Timeout>

GAME: Cesran has connected.

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 22.

It is now Lenore's turn! Dihael is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Lenore ended.

GAME: Arynel casts Bull's Strength. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16

GAME: Lenore rolls 1d20+12: (2)+12: 14

GAME: Lenore rolls 1d20+12: (5)+12: 17

GAME: Lenore rolls 1d6+8: (2)+8: 10

Seeing everything ramp up rather fast, Arynel slinks back a couple of steps and....realizing the effect that has been put in place by Nadara, she places a hand on Zyla's thigh. She'll feel strangely stronger...even though she hasn't heard any chanting from Arynel.

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 20.

It is now Dihael's turn! Virton is next!

Nadara has partially disconnected.

GAME: Nadara has partially disconnected.

"My, what big teeth you have..." Lenore purrs up to the man so close to her, her blade drawn free of its holding, her smile remaining on dark lips as she stares up at him longingly. She clearly has a thing for wrong-side wackos. Still, it's only moments before he can feel the tip of her rapier casually sliding up the front of his body, what was at first meant to be an upward flick merely cutting open his shirt. There's a sharp, played up gasp from her lips, and she bites on her lower lip, just as her second strike is forced through his perfect flesh, into those muscles, what a shame.

"Just a bit of foreplay, my love. Why, if I'm going to marry into the family," She jerks the weapon free, "I really must know that you can handle me." She takes in a deep breath, pale eyes wild and grin following well. "Shall we dance?"

GAME: Zyla refreshes special ability pools.

GAME: Beaglefinder rolls 1d20+11: (16)+11: 27

GAME: Beaglefinder rolls 1d20+10: (8)+10: 18

"I'm... I'm gonna have to fight the most beautiful man ever?!" Nadara's lower lip trembles as she stares. She stares in sadness before whining, "Raaaadaaaaa. THis is NOT FAIR! Fine, fine. We'll deal with it. We'll DEAL with it." Nadara gets to her feet, gun at the ready.

"Okay, Rada. I'll make you a deal. That deal is 'help us put an end to the evil and I'll toss a bunch of old in the ocean'. Sound good? Good." And then everyone smells the scent of the ocean breeze.

GAME: Beaglefinder rolls 1d6+4: (3)+4: 7

GAME: You damaged Lenore for 7 points. 25 remaining.

GAME: Carwyn has disconnected. <Netfailure>

"Oh, baby, don't you know I'm bad?" Dihael's eyes glitter darkly before he leaps at the loving Lenore. A blade appears in his hand and the man becomes a whirling dervish of death. From the other room, there's the crash of porcelain.

"DIHAEL!" his father shouts. He takes a half-step forward, then sways.

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 10.

It is now Virton's turn! Miruan is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Virton ended.

GAME: Virton activates his Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Dex

GAME: Virton spends ONE use of DEATH RAY.

GAME: Virton rolls 1d20+10: (2)+10: 12

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 10.

It is now Miruan's turn! Kevan is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Miruan ended.

What to do. What to do. OH. I KNOW. Virton's shoulder cannon suddenly pops up and is activated. "I don't appreciate you, fella. I don't appreciate yer actions much, either." buzzes the poncho-wearing Golem, as the shoulder cannon gives an ominous 'ooum' of charge. With both hands guiding the weapon, there's a loud crack of discharging electricity - which then scorches through the air and misses -- probably burning the hell out of something more expensive than anything the Golem owns.

GAME: No valid players found.

GAME: Players not found: all

GAME: You damaged Arynel for -100 points. 26 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Nadara for -100 points. 59 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Miruan for -100 points. 61 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Zyla for -100 points. 47 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Kevan for -100 points. 46 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Virton for -100 points. 39 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Lenore for -100 points. 41 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Lenore for 7 points. 34 remaining.

GAME: Miruan used a Potion of Bless Weapon.

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 9.

It is now Kevan's turn! Zyla is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kevan ended.

===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================

---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------

24   Nadara           1  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

24   Arynel           1  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

22   Lenore           5  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20   Dihael           1  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10   Virton           1  Titan Armor (2 rnd active)                   

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10   Miruan           1  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> 9    Kevan            7   <<

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3    Zyla             3  Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)               

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

==============================================================================

Miruan pauses. She's read bad books about this. Plus, vampires are TOTALLY an abomination unto Eluna's eyes. And that's not awesome. So Miruan uncorks a potion: 'HOLY WEAPON OIL. NOT TO BE USED ON HOLY HAND GRENADES. BLESS RESPONSIBLY.' and pours it over her hands. She assumes a light, powerful fighting stance and moves to flank.

GAME: Garrin has disconnected. <Netfailure>

GAME: Boshter has disconnected. <Netfailure>

GAME: Sandy has reconnected.

GAME: Whirlpool has reconnected.

GAME: Smythly has reconnected.

GAME: Garrin has connected.

GAME: Boshter has connected.

GAME: Nadara has reconnected.

Nadara has reconnected.

GAME: Ga'Elian has connected.

GAME: Zyla has reconnected.

Zyla has reconnected.

Zyla has partially disconnected.

GAME: Zyla has partially disconnected.

GAME: Kevan rolls 14: (5)+14: 19

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round One - Init 3.

It is now Zyla's turn! Nadara is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Zyla ended.

Kevan quickly skirts around some furniture, leaping and moving into a position close enough to make a strike. The nimble vamprie though avoids the blow from the magic scimitar, and Kevan grimaces to himself.

JOBS: Comments added to Job 109 by Ga'Elian.

GAME: Ga'Elian has disconnected. <Quit>

GAME: Sandy has reconnected.

GAME: Zyla rolls knowledge/religion: (14)+7: 21

GAME: Zyla spends ONE point of KI POOL.

GAME: Zyla rolls uc+1+2: aliased to melee+1+1+2: (15)+10+1+1+2: 29

GAME: Zyla rolls ud+1+1d6: aliased to 2d6+8+1+1d6: (9)+8+1+(1): 19

Zyla moves over getting into a flanking position with Kevan and realizes it is a vampire. She focuses and electricity runs up her arms. She throws a fist at Dihael and slams it into him, added electroshock as well, hitting hard.

GAME: Arynel rolls knowledge/religion: (2)+11: 13

You paged Zyla with 'They hate the divine and silver, and cannot enter a house unless invited.'

GAME: Hurricane has disconnected. <Netfailure>

GAME: You roll initiative for TeaServant: Roll: 14 + Bonus: 5 = Total: 19

GAME: Jareth has disconnected. <Netfailure>

Porcelain shattered, just moments ago. Now, the old man's shout cuts off. The lucht servant from earlier hangs about his neck, small hands digging into the old skin. "Praisse Thul, you old basstard!" he snarls. He lunges forward, teeth hooking into his former master's throat.

Who screams.

Whose scream turns into a gurgle.

Blood splatters on the lucht's broken glasses.

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 24.

It is now Nadara's turn! Arynel is next!

GAME: Shaoqing has disconnected. <Netfailure>

GAME: Sebropert has disconnected. <Netfailure>

GAME: Teppus has disconnected. <Netfailure>

GAME: Sandy has partially disconnected.

GAME: Whirlpool has partially disconnected.

Nadara has partially disconnected.

GAME: Nadara has partially disconnected.

GAME: Sandy has partially disconnected.

GAME: Smythly has partially disconnected.

GAME: Teppus has connected.

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 24.

It is now Arynel's turn! Lenore is next!

"Okay, everyone! Rada, you've done me a solid, so I'ma do you one by taking this thing out. Think a little more protection is in order, though, especially against that. I mean, how many girls has he been with, anyway?" Nadara remarks, dryly, still seeming enamored with im even as she talks and calls on the divine to help her along.

GAME: Nadara casts Magic Circle Against Evil. Caster Level: 8 DC: 18

GAME: Arynel rolls ranged-4: (19)+5+-4: 20

GAME: Arynel rolls 4d6: (18): 18

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 22.

It is now Lenore's turn! Dihael is next!

GAME: Lenore rolls 1d20+14: (15)+14: 29

GAME: Lenore rolls 1d20+14: (7)+14: 21

GAME: Arynel casts Scorching Ray. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16

GAME: Lenore rolls 1d6+8+10: (6)+8+10: 24

GAME: Lenore rolls 1d6+8+5: (3)+8+5: 16

GAME: Lenore rolls 1d20+14: (19)+14: 33

Arynel smiles as she sees Zyla rush off to punch the son. However, Arynel turns towards the halfling that is trying to bite the father. Rather than leave the father to fend for himself, she looses a scorching ray at the lucht...which hits and hurts badly.

GAME: Lenore rolls 2d6+16+10: (4)+16+10: 30

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 20.

It is now Dihael's turn! TeaServant is next!

GAME: Lenore rolls will: (13)+3: 16

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 19.

It is now TeaServant's turn! Virton is next!

GAME: Beaglefinder rolls 1d20+4: (7)+4: 11

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 10.

It is now Virton's turn! Miruan is next!

"Ah, my love, tis but the beginning for us. You see, tonight, ohh," She practically moans, "Tonight..." Lenore's blade slinks back away from the man as she lets out a loving sigh, looking up at him with googly eyes, slightly dewy, almost tearful. Her blade lunges in again, and again, the second being twisted and pressed tightly against his abdomen as she smiles away, vacant as ever.

Truly, she has found her soulmate.

And then she realizes she's killing him.

"Oh, dear, dear... I've gotten a bit of red on you, forgive... why are you looking at h--" Her gaze darts to Zyla, darkening noticably, her teeth bared in a sneer, "Why are you looking at him?! Slut!" Her blade tears from Dihael, pointing toward Zyla, instead. "SLUT!" She insists.

"I'll see you hang from ovarian noose, you bloody wwwhhhooooore!" She practically spits.

Holy shit.

GAME: Virton spends ONE use of DEATH RAY.

GAME: Virton rolls 1d20+10: (5)+10: 15

GAME: Virton rolls 3d6+4: (9)+4: 13

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 10.

It is now Miruan's turn! Kevan is next!

GAME: Kevan refreshes special ability pools.

GAME: Miruan spends ONE point of KI POOL.

This is getting a little bit out of hand, Virton comes to realise. Especially when Lenore starts screaming 'SLUT' and 'WHORE' at people, and with a rapier in her hand. Yes, quite out of hand. Perhaps even mildly upsetting, if one could even reach for those high standards of situations. The death-ray on the Golem's shoulder gives a 'DING!' as it fully charges, and both hands clasp it and point it towards Dihael as he.. Flexes. "'ey, fella! Some of us can't do that!" He buzzes, irritibly, and then responds by firing off a beam from said shoulder-cannon.

The red beam scores a vicious burning wound over the man's torso, probably making him look even more dashing. Damnit.

GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+1: (13)+12+1: 26

GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+1: (20)+12+1: 33 (THREAT)

GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+1: (1)+12+1: 14 (EPIC FAIL)

GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+1: (8)+12+1: 21

GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+1: (5)+12+1: 18

GAME: Miruan rolls 1d8+5: (3)+5: 8

GAME: Miruan rolls 1d8+5: (1)+5: 6

GAME: Miruan rolls 1d8+5: (3)+5: 8

Right. This is bad. There's sparkles in her cleavage and robes, even in the tape she binds her chest with to train. And now there's going to be a catfight. A full fledged catfight. "Hey! No slutshaming! That's not nice!" Miruan offers, before realizing there's only one answer and the death ray fellow has the right idea. Brushing some sparkles off her chest, she straightens.

"Alright, time for a holy asskicking." Some of the blessed weapon is on her feet, too. And then, she does kung fu. A swift jab to the vampire's throat, a punch to his face and a kick to - well, his midsection. Pow! And for good measure a backhanded jab. Though, it seems he evades at least one blow.

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 9.

It is now Kevan's turn! Zyla is next!

GAME: Cesran has disconnected. <Timeout>

GAME: Kevan rolls 14+2: (4)+14+2: 20

GAME: Kevan rolls 14+2: (20)+14+2: 36

GAME: Kevan rolls 14+2: (15)+14+2: 31

GAME: Kevan rolls 2d6+20+10: (10)+20+10: 40

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Two - Init 3.

It is now Zyla's turn! Nadara is next!

Kevan's blade is a blur of motion for a moment, light flicking slashes of the scimitar until he spots an opening and he manages to score a clean slash that cuts deeply into the vampire. Kevan manages a smile, but still seems focused on finishing the job, and not getting overconfident.

GAME: Ormud has connected.

GAME: Zyla spends ONE point of KI POOL.

GAME: Zyla rolls uc+1+2+2: aliased to melee+1+1+2+2: (11)+10+1+1+2+2: 27

GAME: Zyla rolls uc+1+2+2: aliased to melee+1+1+2+2: (17)+10+1+1+2+2: 33

GAME: Zyla rolls uc+1+2+2: aliased to melee+1+1+2+2: (4)+10+1+1+2+2: 20

GAME: Zyla rolls uc+1+2+2: aliased to melee+1+1+2+2: (16)+10+1+1+2+2: 32

GAME: Cesran has connected.

GAME: Zyla rolls uc+1+2+2-5: aliased to melee+1+1+2+2-5: (16)+10+1+1+2+2+-5: 27

GAME: Zyla rolls ud+1: aliased to 2d6+8+1: (11)+8+1: 20

GAME: Zyla rolls hb+1: aliased to 4d6+8+1: (12)+8+1: 21

GAME: Zyla rolls ud2+1: aliased to 2d6+6+1: (10)+6+1: 17

GAME: Zyla rolls ud2+1: aliased to 2d6+6+1: (6)+6+1: 13

The lucht reaches to his side--and pulls away blood. Reddened eyes turn to Arynel and he launches himself at her. His angry, wild swing goes wide, but not by much.

Behind him, the former master moans. Blood spills from the wound at his neck and he attempts to stand. The joints of his elbows bend the wrong way...his body shakes.

Zyla ignores the shouting woman for a moment and hopes that means she isn't going to get skewered with a rapier shortly. She focuses and then lets loose with a barrage of fists. Slam goes the first fist, then she brings both hands together and slams it down onto him again, and then wham, another, and wham, and wham." blows after blows and down goes the creature, face probably not so lovely anymore.

GAME: Zyla rolls knowledge/religion: (6)+7: 13

GAME: Arynel rolls knowledge/religion: (8)+11: 19

GAME: Nadara rolls Knowledge/Religion: (7)+11: 18

You paged (Nadara, Arynel) with 'The old man is transforming, you can tell that much. What is also visible is a burning symbol of Thul on the side of his neck. It may be possible to stop it if you act very, very fast. You're not entirely certain how, but you can make some guesses.'

GAME: NEW ROUND!

Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 24.

It is now Nadara's turn! Arynel is next!

You paged Nadara with 'It's possible it would pause it, yes. It could also damage him if he's too far in the negative side. I'd say it's a gamble. <.<'

You paged Nadara with 'You do however, have this nice aura of protection against say, evil up. And a holy symbol. <.<'

Procuring a potion from her bag, Nadara makes here way ver towards the older man and says, "Not today, Thul. Not today." She envelops him in her protective circle and slaps her symbol of Rada against his neck. This isn't easy.

She has to stand on a chair.

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 24.

It is now Arynel's turn! Lenore is next!

GAME: Lunair has disconnected. <Timeout>

GAME: Arynel rolls 2d4+2: (2)+2: 4

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 22.

It is now Lenore's turn! Dihael is next!

GAME: Arynel casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15

GAME: Lenore rolls 1d20+12: (15)+12: 27

GAME: Lenore rolls 1d20+12: (12)+12: 24

GAME: Lenore rolls 1d20+12: (5)+12: 17

GAME: Ansrir has disconnected. <Timeout>

Having a lucht in your face is not fun, even with fangs. So Arynel steps back and smacks the lucht with a pair of blue.......orbs. They don't hurt much, but they hurt.

GAME: Lenore rolls 2d6+18+10: (5)+18+10: 33

GAME: You damaged Zyla for -33 points. 47 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Zyla for 33 points. 14 remaining.

GAME: Lenore rolls intimidate: (16)+11: 27

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 20.

It is now Dihael's turn! TeaServant is next!

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 19.

It is now TeaServant's turn! Virton is next!

GAME: Beaglefinder rolls 1d20+4: (7)+4: 11

GAME: Beaglefinder advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 10.

It is now Virton's turn! Miruan is next!

GAME: Virton spends ONE use of DEATH RAY.

GAME: Virton rolls 1d20+10: (7)+10: 17

GAME: Virton rolls 3d6+4: (15)+4: 19

"My MAN!" Lenore howls with rage as he's struck down, her blade flicked toward the monk as she hisses out her discontenture before skipping a booted step forward with a seemingly room-rumbling stomp as her rider's heel pounds into the floor. "You couldn't handle that he wanted -me-! You couldn't let me have something for ONCE in this god's forsaken LIIII--FE-I HATE YOU!" Her cloak whooshes about her, obscuring the blade's true location until it snaps upward from beneath the hem, her weight following it into Zyla's body with a sick, hollow wetness.

"Just... -once-..." Lenore slinks back after she's stabbed that home-wrecker, falling to her knees audibly, her sword clattering to the ground beside her as she lifts her gloved hands to her face, covered in the blood that spilled from the monk as she just starts sobbing.

It's hard to look at.

"Woah there, partner!" buzzes Virton loudly at Lenore - but, alas, he is ignored, and Zyla is stabbed and skewered straight through the torso and the like. If he could, he'd probably cringe a bit, but his face isn't that advanced yet, so instead he just lets out a buzzing 'oof' noise. He turns, clanking a bit as his shoulder cannon swivels towards the tea servant that has suddenly decided to be a little more aggressive than any butler honestly has a right to be. The cannon gives an 'ooum' noise as it finishes it's charge, and then it gives a crack of discharge as a single red beam of controlled electricity shoots from the cannon.

It pierces through the torso of the tea servant, leaving a horrific burnt hole and the scent of crispified fresh as the man is flung to the ground. He then looks back towards Lenore, and there's a buzzing noise as the Golem tries to search for the, y'know, appropriate thing to say for the situation. In truly man-esqe mannerisms, he simply blurts. "I'm sorry, partner.

GAME: Miruan rolls Perception: (16)+14: 30

GAME: Nadara rolls Perception: (12)+7: 19

GAME: Lenore rolls perception: (17)+9: 26

GAME: Zyla rolls perception: (13)+14: 27

GAME: Kevan rolls perception: (7)+9: 16

GAME: Arynel rolls perception: (16)+8: 24

GAME: Virton rolls perception: (9)+7: 16

GAME: Lunair has connected.

You paged (Miruan, Lenore, Zyla, Arynel) with 'Although Nadara is covering it--you can see the faint lines of a symbol or tattoo on the old man's neck, that was not there before. Most remarkable, however--several, old bite marks on his body. The neck, arms. His leg. His son had been snacking, which explains the old man's quick transformation--just a matter of seconds. It's likely he was unaware.'

Oh sweet Eluna. This has gone south hard and fast. Miruan is glad she's not on the receiving end of that DEATH RAY(TM). But she's disciplined, and doing her best to keep paying attention. Deep breath. "Easy now. Here, do you need aid?" She asks Zyla. She has potions! And rope! ... why so much rope? It is a mystery for the ages that has continued since Miruan began adventuring.

There's a pause. "Hey. Anyone - see all those marks and tattoo on the old fellow?" She looks worried. "I - don't think dad here is the root of this."

The tea servant lies broken on the floor. His glasses lie not far from his hand, his features slack and numb. The old man who had, according to Merchant Magryta, fought so hard to bring his family into this country quivers beneath Nadara's holy symbol. That may be the sole blessing of this evening.

One of you, perhaps two, is dispatched to your employer.

Things are taken care of more swiftly than you could imagine. A crew arrives--arvek and one half-sil, bearing a stretcher. Nadara's symbol is replaced with another Radan priest's, and the man is escorted away to you are assured, "facilities."

It is not long before you find yourself in that room, again.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Ti--

That's how it all began, isn't it?

Magryta's servant hands you tea as you settle, your thirtieth cup of the day. "She will be in in a moment," he begins to say, just as the Merchant enters. She gives you a nod, and sits down at her desk.

She says nothing for a while. A nothing that fits the silence of the room, at what you had witnessed. And then: "So. ...what were your impressions?"

GAME: You remove the timestop.

Kevan arches a brow, speaking a single word. "Poor." He holds a cup of tea, but doesn't sip it at the moment.

Zyla is keeping her mouth shut. She has said nothing since she was stabbed. She healed herself a bit, enough to stop the bleeding before anymore help was given, but in order not to make things worse she has chosn not yet to speak. She looks at the woman for a moment and really isn't sure how to answer.

Miruan is quiet a moment. "Sparkly. I have sparkles in places that I could not pay someone to remove." The monk places her fingers together. "But I just don't feel good impressions."

And yes, Miruan had tea.

For her part, NAdara has backed off. She's going to start tending to the injured, but she's repeatedly said she's 'not that sort of cleric', so she's set in to help out with bandages and more. And the occasional healing spell, if asked.

"That this entire evenin' was pretty messed up, fella." Apparently 'fella' is a unisex term aimed towards anyone who isn't 'partner', aka, not Lenore. You're all meaty fleshbags who apparently revel in the torment of eachother's misery, at this point, in Virton's opinion. "An' I reckon I ain't too impressed with nobodies reactions, specially that younger fella, who went and had to do all them weird things to folks." he buzzes, before wagging a mechanical finger angrily at Magryta, that comes with the faint 'vvrt vrrt' noise of hydraulics moving. The shoulder-cannon on the Golem's shoulder wags also. "That there box you told us to hand over had the worst kinda results. I reckon you knew somethin' and just wanted confirmation." He buzzes again. Public discretion? Oh yes, the Golem has that. Private discretion, negatory.

"I hate all of you." Lenore mutters under her breath, glacing up from below bowed brow at the woman that enters, a woman thrice-broken and scattered by a cruel world. Her hand moves for her rapier, taloned fingers curling around the hilt, slithering into the basket to draw it toward her, stabbing the tip into the ground so that she can get herself to her feet, the steel ringing out in swordsong. Her chin lifts, defiantely, her head snapping to one side to flick her wild locks over her shoulder, huffing out a snooted breath. "And my impression is that you owe us something more than gold." A pause, "Though you owe us that, as well." Her sword is lifted, light glinting off the magical edge as she peers down it toward the woman.

"You knew what would occur. You should be brought before some Vardamic court for all that you did not reveal." Lenore growls through clenched teeth, "If you'll excuse me... I have letters to write." Likely VERY sternly worded.

Arynel does not have tea. She is tea-d out. Of course, she waits.

GAME: Lenore rolls intimidate: (13)+11: 24

At the desk, Merchant Madline Magryta's brow...twitches. It could be a smile. Her expression is otherwise difficult to read, and the tapping of her fingers on the desk is reminiscent of that clock. Regular enough one could set the tides by it. At length, "Sometimes the best heart is no shield against addiction. It is difficult for me to say, but thank you. You offered his son, and him, the best hope he could have had." The arvek pauses there. She swallows with difficulty, the sound of sandrocks drawn over one another.

"You are right. His son could read minds though. Sending you in, trained professionals, offered Dukakas the best chance available. Your having him and his son in the same room probably saved his life," she says. Tap tap.

Tap tap.

"We--I--had nothing but admiration for Dukakas. He delivered his family from Blar and he thought, away from the oppression of the Crimson Templars. ...from there, to Alexandria to seek a new life. They found a glass ceiling, as...I am sure you know. The life of an immigrant is challenging. When you saved his life--you saved his daughter from falling back into Thul's hold. You have given him Sunrise," she says. She stands. "Thank you, and waves guide you," she says. She never smiled, not once.

Precise.

She taps her fingers again, fingers that tremble slightly, and then gestures towards the hall. A servant appears at the corner of the room, He nods to you. "I have the gold and gems. There is some small artwork among the payment that given our understanding of your tastes, I suspect some of you will be pleased with. If you would?" he asks. He gestures down the hall where presumaby, the finalities of the contract will be signed off upon, and gold exchanged.

GAME: Nadara rolls Knowledge/Local: Trained Use Only: 0

GAME: Lenore rolls knowledge/local: (14)+6: 20

GAME: Kevan rolls knowledge/local: (8)+5: 13

You paged Lenore with 'Addiction. There are some rumors locally that the long exposure to Thul's agents had given...some arvek, some BLAR arvek, an addiction to vampire's blood. She is suggesting the son may have arrived in Alexandria with that weakness intact.'